On Friday, January 20, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States of America. This venerable tradition serves as a visible reminder to the people of this country that the peaceful transition of power is at the heart of American democracy.
As Mr. Trump takes office he, like all presidents before him, faces many daunting challenges. As Catholics, we should always pray for our leaders and hope for their success. Therefore, in accordance with Catholic Social Teaching and in solidarity with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, our prayers for Mr. Trump should include but not be limited to:
·That he will work to protect the dignity of every human life, especially the unborn.
·That he will defend religious liberty.
·That he will work to ensure that healthcare remains accessible and affordable for all Americans, regardless of whether or not they have a preexisting condition.
·That his economic policies will benefit all Americans, especially those who are struggling the most.
·That he will protect our borders from those who want to harm us, but that he will also propose immigration reform consistent with the U.S. Bishops’ proposal for Earned Legalization for those immigrants of good moral character.
·That he will promote peace and unity.
While many in our country continue to be divided, on Inauguration Day — as Americans and as Catholics — we should put aside our differences and simply pray for Mr. Trump, his family, for our nation and for our world.
